Canon EOS M: hands-on preview of Canon's first mirrorless EOS

Canon has, as expected, announced the EOS M - its first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Based around the same 18MP APS-C sensor as the recent EOS 650D/T4i, the EOS M is the first model to use a new, smaller 'EF-M' lens mount. It is launched alongside two EF-M lenses that use STM stepper motors optimized for use with the camera's hybrid AF system. As we've seen before in the mirrorless sector, the EOS M is predominantly aimed at the point-and-shoot upgrader market looking for DSLR quality and makes greater use of a 650D-style touch-screen interface. We've been using the EOS M for a little while and have prepared a preview, looking in more detail at Canon's first mirrorless EOS camera and how it handles.

UPDATE. We've recently updated this preview with our own images of the camera, having initially used those provided by Canon. We've also added more information about the camera and screenshots of its touch interface, so if you read our initial preview shortly after publication it's worth having another look.

DSLR-quality images at your fingertips: Canon launches the small and simple EOS M

London, UK, 23 July 2012 – Canon today expands its award-winning EOS range with the launch of the new EOS M. The company’s first ever compact system camera (CSC), the EOS M is designed for those who use photography to share their everyday passions – from food, to fashion and culture, music and art. Offering DSLR-quality imaging, creative features and Full HD movie creation in a compact and easy-to-use model, the EOS M is the perfect, take-anywhere partner for a new breed of enthusiasts who chronicle their lives through images, without necessarily considering themselves to be ‘photographers’.

The EOS M is available in sleek black, glossy white, stylish silver or bold red colours, and condenses Canon’s renowned EOS imaging heritage into a stylish, compact design. The model launches alongside two new lenses, the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM pancake and the EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM standard zoom, as well as a new compact EX Speedlite – the Speedlite 90EX – providing everything you need to capture stunning images every day. For those who want to push their images even further, the EOS M can also utilise Canon’s extensive range of EF lenses with the new Mount Adapter EF-EOS M, for even more creative freedom.

The quality of a Canon DSLR

Print your favourite moments in poster-size or crop your image for maximum impact – whether shooting the atmosphere of your favourite club or the intricate stitching of the latest must-have handbag – thanks to the EOS M’s high-resolution, 18 megapixel APS-C hybrid CMOS sensor. The large sensor also allows you to artistically blur the background for beautiful portraits, or for close-ups with impact.

With the inclusion of Canon’s DIGIC 5 processor, colours ‘pop’ and skin tones are beautifully natural, whilst a super-fast shutter allows you to capture split-second action. The atmosphere of evening shoots and challenging night-time scenes are also easily recorded in stunning detail thanks to the EOS M’s sensitive native ISO range of 100- 12,800 (extendable to 25,600).

For pin-sharp shots and professional-looking footage, this new design features a Hybrid AF System that supports super-fast, accurate AF when shooting stills and movies – allowing you to record any moment with confidence.

Shoot what you see and easily express your creative vision

Every aspect of the EOS M has been designed to make it simple to capture beautiful, creative, high-quality images. From the very first swipe across the bright, high- resolution, 7.7cm (3.0”), Clear View LCD II Touch screen, the EOS M gives you as much or as little control over your photos as desired. Simply select different shooting modes and settings via the on-screen icons, or let Scene Intelligent Auto adjust the camera settings according to the subject and shooting conditions, leaving you free to focus on composition and selecting the perfect moment to hit the shutter release button.

EOS M users can shoot with the confidence that comes from having the world's most comprehensive photographic system behind them. Whether you want to capture every detail of a close-up or zoom in to frame a subject in the far distance, any one of Canon’s extensive range of EF lenses can be connected via the new

Mount Adapter EF-EOS M for photographic flexibility.

With one of Canon’s Speedlite flash units, you can also explore creative lighting techniques to add an extra level of interest to your shots. Alternatively, create unique images with a range of Creative Filters like Toy Camera effect, Grainy B&W or even a filter that mimics the distortion of a fish-eye lens. The filters can be applied before the shot is captured, with the result previewed in Live View, allowing you to experiment with different effects before selecting the perfect treatment for your final image.

Turn film-maker with EOS Movie and Video Snapshot

When a moment calls for more than a still image, the EOS M lets you switch easily to Full HD video with stereo sound for superb results. Video Snapshot mode also helps family and friends avoid long home movie viewing sessions, guiding you to create exciting movies in-camera, with a professionally edited feel.

Extending the EOS System with dedicated accessories

In addition to compatibility with Canon’s existing EF lenses1, accessories and Speedlites, the EOS M launches with its own bespoke range of compact accessories. Two new EF-M lenses offer portability and high performance when using the new model – the EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM standard zoom and theEF-M 22mm f/2 STM pancake lens. Both feature new Stepper Motor technology for exceptionally smooth AF performance, as well as precision Canon optics, while their compact designs offer the perfect form-factor to complement the camera’s pocket-sized body.

Additionally, the EOS M will ship with the new Speedlite 90EX flash unit as standard. Lightweight and highly-compact, it offers a maximum guide number of nine and supports wide-angle lenses, making it an ideal general-purpose flash for everyday use. A wireless master function also allows the control of multiple flash guns wirelessly, allowing more advanced users to experiment with a range of creative lighting effects.

Why bother with a mirrorless except to fool around with and then stick a 70-200 f2.8 IS II on it? Defeats the purpose of downsizing. I'll sell my colonial when I retire and buy a rancher and then remodel with a second story?

Guess I can try to understand Canon's logic... not to compete with their own low-end DSLR market, nor make the S100 or G1 X useless.With that said, I figure that Canon, being the last bull to charge down the mirrorless hill would certainly have all its ducks in a row and would smoke the competition... such a let down. Q3 2012 and all you can muster up is GPS OR SpeedLite? Plus a $200 adapter to use old Canon lenses really sours the deal.

I really wanted to like something from Canon, but this just seems to be a cute interchangeable lens mirrorless camera to get some marketshare.

What I dont get: Magnesium Alloy body for an entry level camera and the mag-alloy chassis is deleted from the 60D? (own a 40D and WAS considering the upgrade...)

hope it feels better than the Nikon offering..felt like it would fall apart in my hands. Looks lovely though. Need to see this in relation to the X-Pro 1 to accompany my X100..am I moving away from Canon? will see.

not perfect camera but probably I will buy it in addition to my powershot s100, the same sensor size alternatives from Sony and Samsung are probably little worse in terms of picture&video quality and lens choice, will wait for samples to check

Admittedly I was disappointed at first. However, I was hoping for something in the enthusiast/pro range like the NEX-7, or X-Pro 1. Still this is way way better than Nikon's offering. And actually should be better in terms of image quality than most of the m4/3 offerings by the nature of it's larger sensor.

I think it's important to realize Canon is selling this camera to people who likely won't buy many lenses, and so won't care about the limited range at launch. Were as enthusiasts would be really put off by the lack of small EF-m lenses, and canon wouldn't sell as much if this was marketed as serious enthusiast camera. Once they have a better lens selection I suspect/hope they'll come out with something more enthusiast grade (add an extra control dial, EVF, mode dial, and it would be set).

However even having said that, there is a lot going for this as an enthusiast camera to complement a DSLR when you want something smaller and less intimidating to your subjects.

lol, yeah I'm not throwing a 70-200mm f/2.8 on that any time soon. That's what my DSLR is for. I'd be worried about snapping this thing in two :) My smaller primes would be going on this, but then that's all I would need for the types of photography I'd be using this for. Hopefully Canon comes out with small and fast 30mm and 50mm (equ ~50mm and 80mm) lenses for this camera. Than it will look like a more serious line up for enthusiasts. Still I'm glad they came out with the 22mm to start, that's a lens I could see using at least 70-80% of the time on this camera. Although the auto focus speed on that lens is worrying.

The Nikon may have a smaller sensor but can shoot 10/30/60 fps. Plus a pro nikon 200mm f2 with the 2.7x crop factor becomes a 540mm f2, way cheaper than buying a 500mm lens. It's so far the only mirror less to do this. I might just give up my nex-5n for a v1.

Can buy it bundled with a EF adaptor?So... A camera designed to target people who are upgrading from point and shoot (below entry DSLR level upgraders), a group of people notorious for not ever buying another lens that is not in the kit. The only saving grace appears to be a strong support for selling the kit 22 prime.... educating the masses on fixed focal length. Thats right, get up and walk to the Koala to take the photo.

What can you get for $800?5N, EP3, Samsung NX200What a Rip. Canon and Nikon both mirrorless flops.

If matching a cow with horseshoes makes it a horse?no. This camera is supposed to be used as stand-alone camera and that's it. It does not matter if it will be 1st,2nd 10th camera in family.It will serve well. Hope:) and peace not to miss the point of the thread.

Considering this is their first Model of mirrorless EOS-M.. I would say, other brands will innovate their design and concept. Good for us, same with DSLR models now.. we can request the Do's and Dont's for their next model from this forum i guess.. cheers...

I would say, as a recent m4/3 adopter, that there are Canon owners out there who are going to be adding this with a body cap, plus an adapter to their bag. A very good entry model from the looks of the specs. Screen resolution is impressive considering that I'm using 1/4 of what this has - and I'm not complaining much. The right way to do it is with a new mount. The approach is probably going to appeal to the upcoming generation of future pros whose only knowledge of photography right now is a cell phone.

At the right price point and with the right adapters, I'd be looking seriously at this line.

No pop-up flash indicates enthusiast camera. No viewfinder indicates consumer. Split personality. Both will be problems for their intended markets. Maybe somebody can rig a small hot-shoe EVF that plugs into the HDMI cable? I know it would be awkward, but I need an EVF! Otherwise, I would be excited about this camera.

No matter how good the LCD they just don't cut it outdoors in Western Australian summer sunlight. I'm not saying that Canon needed a built-in EVF as not everybody requires it, but a lot of their competitors in the mirrorless market have provision to plug one in.

I don't believe the conpiracy posts - Canon would love me to switch from SLR to this camera and buy all new lenses - duh. It's not as though Sony makes lenses for the M mount, nor even Sigma - I woudl HAVE to buy Canon lenses whereas for my Rebel SLR, I'm pretty happy with my 4 lenses and will rarely buy more. Obviously this isn't the last miirorles camera Canon will ever come out with, and the next will be higher end. The low end sells 10x more, just like Rebel versus other Canon SLRs, so of course that's what they came out with first.

What is the "zoom/crop multiplier" with the adaptor? I surmise 2x, so the legacy lenses will be limited to long distance use...so I'd be starting over again (building my lens collection) if I got this camera. Canon ought to come out with a higher end ASAP, people are goign to think of buying it, but then consider Sony and 4/3rds due to the lens issue (if starting over, no reason to limit ourself to Canon, who has been using the same sensor forever). Also, still no timelapse built-in? It's just software - these are digital cameras, put some darn features into them! Should not have to heck the camera with 3rd party firmware.

The adapter won't add any extra crop. All it's doing is adding the space normally taken up by the mirror in current Canon DSLRs. Yes if you put a full frame lens on it you'll get a crop factor of 1.6 over their full potential, but that's no different than with the current APS-C DSLRs. This is in contrast to Nikon's 1 series which does only work with existing lenses at long distance due to its huge crop factor.

I think from all the comments here that this EOS-M will be real success on the Consumer market for Canon. Great that Canon understands the market and makes high quality products for the man on the street as well as having the best Pro/ Semi Pro Kit on the market as well. It's the way you stay number one in imaging in the world.

Canon has been always right ...no matter what folks. Just give up ... The sales figures shows clearly that Canon is the most trusted camera manufacturer in the world, and there is a reason for that ...perhaps the most competent team of specialist and researchers stands behind that " little" name EOS M with the support of Canon's financial power ! Call that model controversial if you like, but the truth is that no other camera has been so widely commented in the recent photographic history ... Canon ...you did it again ;)))

I actually like the EF-M, George, though I'd like it better if it had an optional viewfinder. Canon is not infallible. Compare sales of their 5DMKIII to the D800, and the unimpressive release of the T4i as proof.

Canon hasn't always been "right" but they are a large, well-run company that can afford to be wrong. They also do things customers and dealers really like--few backorders and frequent rebates on products people really want.

With Only two native lenses and compatibility via adapter only for people who own Canon SLR lenses, one can only wonder if canon is trying to offer a valid alternative mirrorless option, or just trying just to stop the haemorrhaging (temporarily) of its P&S/entry-mid level DSLR customers?

Which users of SONY/ M43 /Other mirror-less formats would go back to CANON with this effort considering OMD-EM5, NEX, Samsung, Pentax offerings are already Light years ahead. I don't think anyone who doesn't have an investment in Canon lenses would even think twice about this product.

A Band Aid solution from a company that has forgotten how to INNOVATE.

Be cool.. pdelux.. What will happen if Canon want to go ahead considering this is their first model of mirrorless Camera.. IMHO, sony,samsung,pana, olympus, pentax brand will knock their head on the walls..lol.. peace bro..

Slightly larger body, slightly larger sensor, better IQ, more physical dials and controls, native support for 100's of lenses without an adapter, focus peaking, inbody stabilisation for all lenses but no touch screen.

If you think the EOS-M and it's two native lenses are great then the K-01 must be absolutely groundbreaking.Not saying it is groundbreaking but moreso wondering what you're comparing the EOS-M to.

It tells you on their Press Release who this is targeted at. And it's not targeted an Enthusiast's. You don't need to work for them. Just read. Then constructive comments can be made on what it's built for. Not the garbled junk from commentators not knowing what they want and not knowing how to put it together. My haed is hurting looking at comments with no thought going into them. If you don't want to buy it Don't. Buy what you need. If you want EVF/VF's, dials, old mount's, high burst speed's without focusing, vari-angle screens etc. The market is flooded. of you go.

Canon's most uninspiring lackluster effort to date. They have the resources and could have easily positioned themselves at the head of the mirrorless market with something technologically innovative; instead they have settled for being the tail. The perfunctory EOS M makes it clear that Canon is out of ideas. And now with the erosion of the point and shoot market giving away to mobile phones, Canon's bread and butter is in jeopardy.

I want the white one to mount on a white lens, I like the idea the more I look at it, just snap it on to an existing lens or take it in to town with the 22mm f2, in a coat pocket, ill be getting one, not sure why every one is complaining, will see how it pans out first. What does every one expect out of such a small package any way? your not going to get a sports camera or a wedding camera, thats what the DSLR is for, this is for more casual shooting, with exceptionally good IQ, I say kudos to Canon. There may be something later, more to your style.

I like the idea of a compact camera and look forward to get my hands on it. It is great that it will be possible to use existing lenses, although it is strange to see it mounted on a 70-200/2.8.But I think most reviewers forget to try out the lag on the EVF. The shutter lag on present P&S cams are bearable but for what use if there is still a huge lag on the VF. That's why I think that DSLRs due to their OVF still will be in business for the years to come.

In today's marketplace it's shirt pocket size smartphones with built in cameras that rule the point & shoot marketplace instead of shirt pocket size all in one P&S cameras. Doesn't it make sense to design cameras that smartphone users might want to buy, instead of hoping that pocket P&S cameras will someday come back in style?

As the 1st. of a new breed of EOS non-DSLR bodies. (Large sensor + EF lens compatibility = EOS), Canon's EOS M could be a big hit among its intended audience and then some. Call it an ILC if you want ( I doubt that Canon will mind), but this new EOS is aimed at the typical smartphone camera user who is looking for true DSLR image quality in what appears to be a coat pocket friendly (with 22mm lens) form factor, to make prints, photo-book albums, and more, but who doesn't want to learn how to use a DSLR (hence the smartphone-like touchscreen controls and lack of an EVF/OVF). Want an OVF too? Buy a G1 X.

That's simply choice in the marketplace. Choice is a good thing, and Canon's product portfolio offers plenty. So does some of its competitors. Doesn't change the fact that the all in one P&S is headed out the same door as film era cameras. Smartphones rule, and camera manufacturers know it.

That's funny, ha ha, name a smart phone that shoots raw? None do. So that means that say an LX5 or S95 will readily beat any phone camera--even the vaunted Nokia 808. Now, if Nokia chose to allow raw capture, then that phone's camera with it's physically big sensor is an interesting approach. Till then who cares about the camera phone. No one who cares about things like dynamic range, noise control, in other words good quality capture.

The mass market cell phone sized all in one P&S user doesn't shoot raw. Chances are they don't even know what raw is. What they shoot are low resolution jpegs to post on facebook and the like. Smartphones make it so much easier for those users to share their images because the phones are web connected and people carry their phones everywhere, just like their house keys. That's why smartphones have taken over as the new mass market all in one P&S. Some of those novice photo fans do outgrow the limitations of their phone cameras and become aware of things like image quality, raw capture, lens selection, etc.. Camera manufacturers want to get that person's attention. How? K.I.S.(keep it simple). Use touchscreens because smartphone photogs already use them everyday. Nothing to learn. Canon has a major edge here. The rest is high image quality and lots of choices. Canon has a major edge here as well.

For full disclosure, I am a Panny GH2 owner and I have a couple m4/3 lenses. I really hope that this unexciting offer from Canon gets more people interested in m4/3.

Most users looking at mirrorless are looking for size and weight savings, and m4/3 offers smaller LENSES compared to Nex and EOS-M (so too does Nikon 1, but with such a small sensor that creating a narrow DOF becomes difficult).

If I was starting fresh into mirrorless, I would definitely go for the Olypus OM-D because in-body image stabilization which means you can use the great m43 primes and have IS from the body. Plus the OM-D has very nice IQ, competitive high ISO performance, and is damn sexy!

Come on, 1200 comments or nothing... (booster: Nikon, Olympus, etc mirrorless systems = crap, this Canon is a wonder. Or it was the viceversa?) Dear DPreview, is this the record breaker camera in terms of comments sent after "hands on preview" or not? Thank you. Cheers! :)

i admit I've only skimmed a couple hundred comments but I've only seen one which mentions the real problem: auto focus system equivalent to LiveView on the T4i system which is still a long way away from being usable. See the M specs: Contrast Detection (sensor). I tried the T4i system for three weeks and focusing in liveview is still not ready for prime time

Few have commented on it because the AF speed is still speculation, based on analogies and YouTube videos. From what I've seen in other recent Canon products I'd be surprised if the AF is state-of-the-art, but this is a camera for casual users who won't be used to any better. For typical p&s upgraders the Nikon 1 system still looks superior (especially for people with kids.) At least Nikon chose a market segment and designed a camera for its needs. For people outside that segment there are better choices. Such lucky people we are to have so many choices.

What makes this camera so expensive? It is basically stripped down dslr, I like the idea of asp-c sensored stripped down body. Unlike some others I believe there is a good market for these here (look at the number of posts!) - people wanting to have great IQ while being able to adjust their gear to the situation - minimum size and weight (yet with great IQ) or more versatile with some bulk added...., people who don't want to look like "pros" when they don't feel like them yet, people that want attract less attention... don't know, but there definitely seems to be a demand.

But, I can't see the point in prices like this one. Indeed a good small kit lenses makes some price increase but what about the body alone? There is nothing much new here - just dslr components. It should actually be much cheaper imho as there is no mirror PD, no EF, no advanced features. Maybe they reflect the resources spent in development of new lens system but are these really that high?

You are right bout the price but I'm confident that Canon has this in their plans to bring down the model in price. The choice of reusing a sensor from their products brings the research and development cost down.I'm also confident that next year there will be a new model, a pricier one, competes with the NEX7.

Canon EOS-M(e too).It's not made to be different, or significant in any way. Just to be there. In MLC/EVIL/mirror-less markets, more than anytime before, accessories are the real body needed for photography, and the camera bodies are accessories.

I wonder how much the Pro version will cost if this is the bare bones version?Does this make the Pentax and Samsung alternatives more attractive especially to those without an investment in Canon lenses?

Sensor sizes aside you cannot get past the fact that this camera has no EVF or accesory port for an external EVF.Even as an upgrade from a compact which Canon sees as a potential market the camera fails as it has no built-in flash and the kit lens kills the compact feel. Yes, you can say that there is a pancake lens that makes it somewhat 'pocketable' but the compact user market is not used to a zoom-less camera. In short, what does this camera offer that an NEX-5 does not have apart from compatibility (with adaptor) with Canon EF lenses?

Does the Metabones adapter permit autofocus with EF lenses? Is it readily available? Does it adapt Canon EOS flashes to NEX cameras? The EOS-M offers a pathway into the Canon EOS ecosystem. People who want to travel in that direction are the target market.

So people will wait another X-years to get camera with barely-any lenses at all, while meanwhile NEX and m4/3 will jump even further away in being a serious mirrorless system. (not even to mention additional accessories which just don't exist now. While for example - Sony offers real adapter with fully integrated DSLR-quality autofocus - something Canon cannot offer and obviously doesn't plan to (considering integration of poor-quality PDAF on sensor))

It's just strange that when other manufacturers have released cameras without an EVF certain posters cry FAIL though when Canon releases one without one for the same people it's a non-issue.I recall many haters re Pentax K01 and Samsung NX200for this.

When Samsung introduces a camera without EVF, NEX and m43 owners cry FAIL. When Panasonic introduces a camera without EVF, NEX, Samsung, Pentax, and Nikon V1 owners cry FAIL, and now there are plenty of Fuji, m43, NEX and various other camera owners crying FAIL among the thousands of EOS-M posts. And millions and millions of photos are framed on LCD screens every day with all kinds of cameras from cell phones to DSLRs with live view. It's not even the future. It's now.

"um except with a full control adapter the basically the entire Canon line." - hardly. You've got crippled AF.Full control is something that Sony's LA-EA2 adapter offers for A-mount glass (Minolta since before EOS was even created, Konica-Minolta, Zeiss ZA and obviously: all Sony lenses). No other adapter offers real full compatibility with DSLR lenses as of today. Yes, you've got all of the functions working in theory, but there isn't much beyond this.

Besides - adapters don't matter. Otherwise NEXes would currently offer greater range of gear then m4/3 - and every person around here knows they don't.So Canon mirrorless system currently offers EXACTLY TWO lenses. No more, no less.

Slow, under-performing, lacking sensitivity in low-light on-sensor PDAF pixels (cause I wouldn't call it "sensors") - that's what makes crippled AF. Besides, just look up the reports or see how 650D performs (funny fact here: According to initial reports this mirrorless seem to perform worse then 650D which already wasn't comparable to SLTs or even it's own real PDAF mode). Yep, it's bit too early to pass final judgement, but no on-sensor PDAF compares to fully-sized PDAF in real camera (or LA-EA2 which is essentially a PDAF module pulled away from SLT). If you want it explained in more simple way: It's exactly the same as with the fact that cheap P&S won't ever compare to Full Frame in terms of image quality.

Any publicity is good so long as they spell your name right. Canon should be thrilled to see so much angst over a product no one has used. ...And if it turns out to be dud, they hit it with a $300 rebate and move on.

Same sensor as the t4i and 7D means same level of DR. For video shooters, identical moire and aliasing.

http://www.cinema5d.com/news/?p=12393

The lack of flash is the biggest head scratcher. Imagine a step up model for P&S users with no flash? Backlit subject? No problem, I'll just fumble through my gear bag for my trusty add-on flash while the decisive moment goes away forever. Smaller but with LESS functionality is a trend moving in the wrong direction.

Obviously the two big DLSR players try to create a clear gap between their DLSR and mirrorless offerings. Both companies try to attract the P & S upgraders, Nikon mainly by a small size and Canon by their user interface. Maybe the Canon approach is more promising (for the company) as there is a simple two-step upgrade option. Once you have bought a few EF/EF-S DSLR lenses for your EOS-M the next upgrade might be a DSLR. This is easy to do with Canon's system. They offer quite a few relatively small, optically good and inexpensive EF-primes (e.g. 50mm 1.8, 85mm 1.8). These lenses are not ridiculously big for the EF-M body and have proven high image quality with an 18 MP sensor. Given the pricing of M4/3 primes the overall cost of such a system compares favorable to m4/3...

For the upgrader who isn't a die-hard Viewfinder photographer this well might be an attractive solution. For those (like me) having already invested in another mirrorless system its no reason to change.

Crap? At least the Nikon V1 has a viewfinder and you don't have to hold it in front of your face with the sun blazing on the LCD to compose an image. Nikon at least made some effort to make a new, organic product with blazing fast PDAF and image processing. Slapping the mediocre T4i sensor in a GF2 style body and releasing two NEX style lenses doesn't even seem like they are trying.

"At least the Nikon V1 has a viewfinder" - you should compare it with J1. V1 is placed above. It's like you'd compare V1 with NEX C3 - doesn't make any sense.

"with blazing fast PDAF" - hehehehe, you ever actually used this camera? Tried focusing in low-light? DSLRs are MILES ahead of Nikon 1 - and that's even despite of a fact that depth of field in Nikon 1 system is so huge that you barely need AF at all.

The Canon is a beta test before pushing the rebel line into mirrorless.

Nikon does not produce deliberately crippled cameras like the rebel series, so I'm assuming a more conservative approach from Nikon. They might hold off a new mirrorless mount until it can accommodate both DX and FX sensors. They might even be reluctant to step away from the F-mount, considering DX and FX glass will be large no matter what, and the D3200/D5100 are already pretty damn small.

The Nikon 1 series is an entirely different mount/system, which in the future will benefit from its incredibly small size. The Sony RX100 is a sign of things to come. Either way it is also a large beta test, but Nikon 1 is striving to deliver the compact size compromise that m43 could not deliver.

"Nikon does not produce deliberately crippled cameras like the rebel series" - HAHAHAahahahahaha... you've got to be kidding me!!!!Ever since D90 every single generation of low-end Nikons is more and more crippled. No idea how you came out with this sentence.

"The Sony RX100 is a sign of things to come." - Compacts eating remains of Nikon mirrorless system. And I'm happy with such future - there's no need for Nikon crap on the market. Nikon is good only in DSLRs - and they should stay doing what they're best in. Better invest money in a big cameras then spend it on crap like that.

Every mirrorless camera seems to be a mess of compromises. You give up a big sensor, or a viewfinder, or external controls, a lens library, or a flash hotshoe. What is the point of having a camera system if there are 3-4 lenses for it? Canon is now going to spend time and money developing their mirrorless lenses, but most kit buyers will NEVER take off the 18-55 once they first install it. Once you put a flash on it and a walkaround lens, the mirrorless camera becomes big once again.

Do the majority of the people who buy these things have a huge lens library, do DSLR owners really want a scaled down SLR? I've gone on vacations, planes, trains and have just taken creative measures to cram my D300 into my luggage.

I had a m4/3 camera. It wasn't very portable. The pictures weren't as good as my Nikon, the AF wasn't as advanced, you could put a flash on it, but the flash was twice the size and weight of the camera. You could put it in a pocket, as long as you took the lens and hood off.

As you say I do not see the point of adding zooms and teles to such camera. This cameras work perfectly with small pancakes. I would love to see a 35/2 or a 35/1.4 (if possible to keep it compact) I think also a small compact zoom would be nice, something like a 20-35/2.8 which would equal to a 30-50mm lens in FF format

Finally someone who describes the whole problem of mirrorless cameras in a nutshell. It's always about compromises. I'd rather take my 40D and a lot of glass or the S100 (or something similar) right away. A satisfactory jack of all trades does not exist.

m4/3 has come a long way, image quality is now good enough and I can fit my GX1 (which comes with a bouncable flash built in) and 3 fast primes (28mm, 40mm and 90mm equiv) in the same space that a DSLR body alone would take up.

I guess if I'm going on holiday or trekking I'd much rather have a mft with a series of prime lenses (14,20, 45), and decent zooms (9-18, 14-42, 45-150) in a relatively small package and weighing very little (about 1.2kg in all).

The Canon 40d weighs 822g body only.

The S100 is about the same size as the Olympus epm1 and weighs a abot 60g less.

@Gothmoth,Maybe the question should be,Why would anyone without Canon glass want to buy this over other less expensive alternatives?Also why would a Canon shooter want to buy this?Surely a cheaper backup DSLR would be a better choice for them since they would be used to using a viewfinder, have all the fuctionality they're used to and it'd cost less.

I think the only company to achieve a good compromise was Panasonic with its Lumix GX1 + 20mm F1.7 + 14-42mm power zoon. It's a truly portable system and the camera has a built-in tilt flash which is great.

The answer to your question is Samsung NX5/10/11/20 or Panasonic G or GH series. The Samsung is what Canon or Nikon could have come up with, an APS-C sensor, an exceptional form factor and EVF in place of OVF, which I have come to accept. NO ONE is pushing the boundaries of what a viewfinder could do except Fuji.

@NikonScavengerI have a Olympus EPM-1 with a series of prime lenses (14,20, 45), and decent zooms (9-18, 14-42, 45-150) and a flash. It weighs very little (about 1.2kg in all).Oh, it has an optional viewfinder too.And external controls as it's customisable.Very quick AF with MSC lenses.With the above system for vacations the only creative measures required are when shooting not trying to get on board.Which camera did you have and when?Times have changed.You obviously haven't moved with them

All Canon Powershot cameras have their lens built into their camera bodies. Most Powershot cameras are simple shirt pocket sized point & shoot cameras with a built-in flash, minimal controls, tiny image sensors, and a rear LCD screen. A couple of Powershot cameras have larger image sensors (including one model with a near APS-C sized sensor), an optical viewfinder, and more advanced controls than their strictly P&S kin.

All Canon EOS cameras have large CMOS imaging sensors (APS-C or larger) and they all accept Canon EF interchangeable lenses. All were DSLRs, until now. The EOS M is the 1st. of a new breed of EOS non-DSLR bodies. (Large sensor + EF lens compatibility = EOS).

Call it an ILC if you want (I doubt that Canon will mind), but this new EOS is aimed at the typical Powershot buyer who may be looking to step up to something new with lens choice, but familiar (hence the smartphone-like touchscreen controls and lack of an EVF/OVF). Want a EVF/OVF too? Buy a 650D/Rebel or G1 X.